Rapid Reaction: Real Madrid CF v FC Barcelona 2nd Leg

The 2nd leg of the Mega-Clásico between these 2 Spanish giants wrapped up what was a fiery encounter between 2 of Europe's most distinguished clubs. Fortunately, no one was sent off, but what's clear is that this rivalry is as intense as it's ever been. 

José Mourinho was forced to watch his team play from the stands as Assistant Coach Aitor Karanka took control of the side-line for Real Madrid. The stadium was packed as usual for the tie as Barcelona looked to solidify their place in the UEFA Champions League final whereas Real Madrid were looking for a miracle.

Camp Nou was filled as expected.

Mourinho opted to go with a more offensive line-up being down 2-0 as he lined up Cristiano Ronaldo, Di Maria, Kaká and Higuain in attack. Despite that, Madrid's midfield still stood no match for Barcelona's as they once again controlled possession throughout the match. Both sides would go into the half once again noted at 0-0.

Barcelona's incredible trio.

With Iniesta back in the squad, Barcelona were back at 100% and their passing was given a boost, as if it needed one. However, Iniesta remains one of the best midfielder the world and it was no surprise that when Barcelona finally broke through it was due to the creative ability of Iniesta. Iniesta put through an exceptional through pass to Pedro who found himself in a 1-on-1 versus Casillas; up until then the Spanish keeper had been exceptional but it was naive for us to think this match would end in a clean sheet. 

Cristiano & Co. will have to come to terms with being second fiddle to Barcelona for the second straight year.

Real Madrid managed to pull one through minutes later as Di Maria's shot ricocheted off the post but back to him where he managed to gather the ball and slip it to Marcelo who slammed the ball into Valdes' goal. However, most of Real Madrid's chances came from erratic play which came at inconsistent volumes due to Barcelona possession. It must be said that, although Madrid came out an attempted to be aggressive, that several Barcelona players were going down rather easy throughout the match. 

In one instance in the 1st half, Cristiano Ronaldo was brought down by Puyol after slipping the ball to Higuain who slammed what would have been the first goal of the match only to have it come back as Ronaldo fouled Mascherano. Mascherano was well off Higuain and trying to catch up to him on an angle when Ronaldo was fouled by Puyol and like a domino somehow caught Mascherano's heel. Television replays didn't show any convincing evidence of a Ronaldo foul, but it was that sort of behavior that several Barcelona players demonstrated over both legs that has left many in the professional footballing community divided over their talent and theatrics. 

A familiar scene: Pedro is seen simulating a foul in last season's match versus Inter. 

Still, Barcelona were not all guilty of simulation as several Madrid players including Carvalho, Lass and Marcelo were late on challenges throughout the match. Carvalho could have easily been sent off early on as his challenges in the 1st half on Messi could have resulted in more than 1 yellow card. Lass was seemingly trying to fit the role Pepe played in the 1st match and was in the midst of various contentions which took the toll on him late in the match. Marcelo put an miss-timed challenge on Messi late in the match which was definitely out of frustration and exhaustion. In the end, the better team won, but both sides did little justice to fair-play something UEFA might want to look in to. 

FC Barcelona secured their spot in the 2010-2011 UEFA Champions League Final with a 3-1 agg victory where they will face off against Manchester United or Schalke 04. Currently, Manchester United holds a 2-0 away goal lead against Schalke, who just like Real Madrid will look to pull off an incredible come back. 

Barcelona look to secure their 2nd European Cup in 3 years.